RAYMOND GRIFFIN OF ANCHORSHOLME SENTENCED FOR DECADES-OLD CHILD SEXUAL ABUSE IN BLACKPOOL

In a landmark case that spanned over two decades, Raymond Griffin, a 59-year-old resident of Brisbane Place, Anchorsholme, has been convicted and sentenced for heinous sexual offenses committed against a teenage girl at a children’s home in Blackpool. The crimes, which took place during the 1990s, only came to light after the victim, now an adult, bravely came forward and prompted a police investigation that ultimately led to Griffin’s conviction.

Griffin was found guilty of three counts of rape and seven counts of indecent assault during a trial held in July at Preston Crown Court. The jury’s verdict was a stark reminder of the betrayal of trust by someone entrusted with the care of vulnerable children. Judge Robert Altham, presiding over the case, emphasized the severity of Griffin’s actions, stating, “It is right to say this behaviour constituted a campaign of serious sexual abuse by a person who was supposed to be taking care of someone who had already been sexually abused. It is difficult to imagine a more serious breach of trust than a person professionally charged with the duty of looking after someone already damaged by sexual abuse to then go on and abuse that person.”

According to court records, the abuse began shortly after the girl was placed into care, a situation that was already traumatic due to her history of being sexually abused by her father. The prosecution, led by Richard Haworth, detailed how Griffin’s misconduct started with inappropriate behavior, including him touching himself in front of her. The assaults escalated to physical abuse in various locations within the care home, including the shower room, her bedroom, and the smoking room. Griffin’s cruelty extended to degrading comments, such as calling her a “slut” and telling her she “needed to practice,” further humiliating her during these traumatic episodes.

The victim was also assaulted during outings, including on the sand dunes near Pontins and on the grounds of the disused Singleton Hall during a group trip from the home. One particularly disturbing incident involved Griffin raping her, which left her injured. After this assault, he callously told her, “You know you love it, I was doing you a favour.” The abuse continued to escalate, with Griffin attacking her in the lounge while she was in her nightwear and even pushing her face into her own vomit when she was sick, in a display of anger and cruelty.

The victim’s courage in reporting the abuse was pivotal. She contacted Childline from a phone box, revealing that she had run away from the care home due to the ongoing abuse and even threatened to jump under a train if she was forced to return. Despite her pleas, she returned to the home, and the abuse persisted until she eventually moved away. It was only in 2010, when she came forward and Lancashire Police launched an investigation, that Griffin’s crimes were fully uncovered. The police were able to trace records and evidence that confirmed her account, leading to his conviction.

Prosecutor Richard Haworth highlighted the profound degradation and humiliation inflicted upon the victim, emphasizing her vulnerability due to her personal circumstances. The case underscores the devastating breach of trust by a professional entrusted with her care, and Griffin’s actions have left a lasting scar on the survivor’s life. Today, Griffin begins a 19-year prison sentence, a measure that reflects the gravity of his crimes and the importance of justice for victims of such abuse.